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Magnificat

Introduction

The Magnificat, with its variety of textual moods, inspires a remarkable setting by Couperin which contains eleven contrasting sections in as many minutes. After the joyful triple-time opening a more supplicatory mood (complete with suspensions) is struck for ‘Quia respexit’ before the confidently rising phrases of ‘Quia fecit mihi magna’ herald the return of both voices. ‘Et misericordia’ is characterized by a more chromatic bass line and richer harmony, after which ‘Fecit potentiam’ contains melismas in both voice and accompaniment to pictorialize ‘dispersit superbos’. Remarkable too is the ground bass for ‘Suscepit Israel’ which modulates into a minor section at ‘recordatus misericordiae’. The continuo instruments first sound the running figure that characterizes the opening of the ‘Gloria’, and a continuously running bass line also colours the final joyful ‘Sicut erat in principio’.

My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit has rejoiced in God my saviour. Because he has regarded the humility of his handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because he that is mighty has done great things to me: and holy is his name. And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him. He has shown strength with his arm: he has scattered the proud in the conceit of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their seat and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and the rich he has sent empty away. He has received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy. As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his seed for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.